How do you power a comp fan?

[rookie07]

Before I go and buy a computer fan...How do you power one?
The are fitted for computer use, so How do I convert that into a usable system around my fish tank?

I'm handy, but dont have an real tools as I live in the city...just the extreme basics.

Anyone know how can I do this with what I can buy at radio shack??

Thanks

The rook

 

[KathyC]

This is what I used..half way down the page.
http://www.jcaquatics.com/page9.html

 

[tosiek]

12v power supply from radio shack with good mah. 500-1000mah in that range, the 300mah ones if you want a low steady breeze. splice the wires or use the quick connects.

 

[Killerdrgn]

You could always rip out a power supply from a discarded computer on the street and use that to power the fans. Depends on the length of cord on the fan and power supply that'll determine how far you can space them apart.

 

[rookie07]

thanks for the link...and also the info.
I thought about using an old computer fan(from my fried PC)...but then Id have to do alot of fixing and cleaning...im going with kathy's idea/suggestion

 

[doctor_random]

I just did this to vent a cabinet that contains my JBJ chiller. Some computer fans are quieter than others. If you use a 120mm fan, a CD is the same size, and serves as a handy template for a cutout.

I'm using Noctua fans (completely quiet):

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=5&lng=en

On most computer case fans (as opposed to CPU fans) there are three wires - red, black, and yellow. Ignore the yellow when wiring - in it's original use to cool a computer, the yellow is a RPM sense wire used for motherboard feedback control.

 

[rookie07]

Thanks doc..."take 2 and call you if I over heat?"

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

You could always rip out a power supply from a discarded computer on the street and use that to power the fans. Depends on the length of cord on the fan and power supply that'll determine how far you can space them apart.

Most of the new PC power supply would not start unless you have the right load. It will be lucky for anyone to find those older power supplies now. In order to be green, we can still recycle some of the old power supply from computer related items such as power supply to cable modem, network hubs .... Just make sure they are within the right voltage range and the fan is not exceeding the wattage of the power supply. Regulated or not is usually not an issue if only one equipment is wired in. With that being said, almost any pc related ac/dc adapter that is not above 12volt will work. Oh make sure the polarity is correct too.

 

[donald_202]

how many fans can i hook up in to one 12volt adapter?

 

[PalmTree]

I have 3 hooked up to one adapter that I picked up from Radio Shack. The power adapter I bought has 4 or five adjustable voltages maxing out at 12 so I can adjust the speed of the fans. I find it very hand to be able to scale it down or incress the speed when I need to.

 

[reefman]

any ac to dc power adapter will work. dc voltage can be 3-12 volts. the lower the current, the slower the fan turns.
u can power it with a pc atx power supply, but need to short out 2 pins on the 20 pins adapter (i think 13 & 14 or 15 dont remember). i wouldnt do this since a ps is too big n can get wet easy.